Rachel Ann (Hilstad) Croker

loving wife, Mother, Nana and Great-Nana, said goodbye to her multitude of friends and family and passed peacefully on December 13, 2016 into the arms of her loving God.Those of us lucky enough to be a part of Rachel's beautiful life will remember her as one who found her greatest joy in caring for others. Whether it was as simple as sitting with you over a cup of coffee, or treating you to delicious baked treat of her own making, when you were with Rachel Ann, you were made to feel valued, loved and welcome - a trait she carried to her last days.Born on November 24, 1926 at Swedish Hospital, Seattle to Rachel (Miller) and Elmer Hilstad, Rachel was a proud fourth-generation Bainbridge Islander. She married her adoring husband Howard on January 12, 1947. Together they raised a son and a daughter - Thomas Roland and Mari Rae. Howard and Rachel were a perfect complement to one another - the straight man to the comedian with a loving affection that always made their family smile. Next month the couple would have celebrated their 70th year of marriage, a legacy of love the family is proud to have witnessed.Rachel considered the congregation at Bethany Lutheran Church to be her second family. She loved to volunteer and would act as super hostess, always inclusive of all church members and anxious to make them feel as at home there as she did - the 80-year-old caregiver. When she wasn't busy with family, friends and caregiving, Rachel enjoyed baking, gardening, and music. We cherish the memories of Nana and Papa at all the grandsons' weddings cutting a rug and singing along with their favorite standards. And it's agreed, holidays won't be the same without Nana Rachel's cardamom bread and tea rings.Rachel was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Roland. She is survived by her husband Howard; son Thomas Croker (Luanne) and daughter Mari Loverich (Wayne); Grandsons Christopher Croker (Tara), Chad Croker, Tom Loverich (Stacy), Eric Loverich (Johnene); Great-Grandchildren Maddie and Parker Loverich, Isabelle, Nolan and Sophia Loverich, Cole, Ciara and Catie Croker, Estella and Pearl Croker.The family would like to extend a personal thank you to the staff at both Wyatt House and Madrona House, as well as Rachel's doctors, nurses and Pastor Paul for taking such loving care with her over the years.Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend the Memorial Service on Saturday, January 7, 2017 at 12 o'clock noon at Bethany Lutheran Church on Bainbridge Island. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bethany Lutheran Church Altar Guild or the Bainbridge Island Historical Society at 215 Ericksen Ave NE, Bainbridge Island. Please sign the online guest book for the family. Arrangements entrusted to Cook Family Funeral Home.